CCAC | Official Word | May 2022

CCAC MAY 2022 | VOLUME 23 ISSUE 3 CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

Official Word CCAC

• PRESIDENT ’S MESSAGE

•2022 CCAC ELECTION

•MEMBERSHIP UPDATE

•2022 PAT HAMMERS SPIRIT AWARD: JACKIE SHOOK

•AUBURN STRUCK G O L D. . . I N N E T WO R K I N G

•ATHENIAN DIALOGUE UPDATE

•EDUCATION WORKSHOPS •CCAC 2022 STATE L E G I S L AT IVE PL AT FO R M •CCAC SCHOLARSHIP • TTC: BACK IN PERSON

www.californiacityclerks.org

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE MELISSA THURMAN, MMC

Spring is in the air, and we certainly felt the cool breeze blowing with sun in our faces in beautiful Burlingame at the 2022 CCAC Annual Conference in early April. For our first in-person conference in two years, we gathered near the bay and watched as planes flew into San Francisco International Airport and others departed to parts unknown. We held an Athenian Dialogue and an Advanced Academy on Tuesday, and before we knew it Wednesday was upon us. The conference opened with a flag procession from the San Bruno Police Department and the Masterworks Chorale sang the National Anthem (did you spot Retired Belmont City Clerk Terri Cook in the choir?).

From that moment on, it was go-time, and we had fantastic educational sessions, one after the other.

The all-conference networking event was an in-house trivia event hosted by Geeks Who Drink. The winning team took home gift cards to Fandango and the crowd all had an amazingly fun time eating pub-fare food and enjoying each other’s company.

The conference was a resounding success. But this conference could never have happened without the amazing support and collaboration from your

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Conference Committee, whose members are listed below. I cannot thank them enough for their help in organizing such a great event for our members.

Elizabeth Cardwell, Smith Moore & Associates Dominique Mask, Smith Moore & Associates Amanda Smith, Smith Moore & Associates Marc Donohue, 1st Vice President Joelle Fockler, 2nd Vice President April Sousa, Professional Development Director Jessica Blair, Communications Director Ashton Arocho, Member Services Director Jennifer Ekblad, Region 9 Director Adrian Garcia, Region 11 Director (and Live Auction Hero) Nova Romero, Region 13 Director Roxanne Breceda, Volunteer Superstar Sylvia Bermudez, Volunteer Superstar The final event at the conference was the Awards Banquet, with a theme of 007 “Dressed to Kill.” And boy, did people get the message!

There were tuxes, evening gowns, stiletto heels, a house martini, even! The only thing missing from this event was James Bond himself!

CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

I want to extend a hearty congratulations to the awards recipients this year. Below is a list of the award winners, and a photo of the Clerk of the Year, Dina Volenski, from the Town of Paradise! Well deserved, everyone!

Donna Pock, City Clerk of Suisun City – Above & Beyond Anthony Mejia, City Clerk of Palm Desert – Leadership Cynthia Rodriguez, City Clerk of Thousand Oaks – Elections Brenda Green, City Clerk of Costa Mesa – Technology & Innovation April Sousa, Clerk of the Board of McKinleyville Community Services District – Mentoring Nova Romero, Deputy City Clerk of Hollister – Deputy Clerk of the Year Dina Volenski, Town Clerk of Paradise – Clerk of the Year

Before I end this message, I wanted to take a moment to recognize all the members in our organization. We met so many new faces at the conference and it made me remember my time as a new member with CCAC. I was nervous, shy, and never in my wildest dreams would have imagined I would be writing a message like this, as President of this Association. Yet, here I am, and here you are, too. Please do not ever hesitate to reach out to me, or any member of our Board. We are all here for you and your best interest is what we strive to meet. We never want to seem unapproachable, or distant. We are here to answer any question you may have, or to offer any advice you may need. And who knows?

One day this message might be coming from you, as any office of this Board is just one nomination away.

I look forward to seeing your names on the ballot!

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

M embership U pdate

MEMBERSHIP UPDATE ASHTON RENE AROCHO, MMC MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR

ASHTON R ENE A R OCHO

It was such a pleasure to see our membership in attendance at the recent Annual Conference in Burlingame, CA. The room was filled with new members, first time attendees, and members who were thrilled to see their colleagues after three years being apart. It always amazes me how excited each attendee is to be in a room for three days with one another and still wish for more. The networking was real during the conference and for those of you who couldn’t join us, mark your calendars now for 2023 Annual Conference because you won’t want to miss it!

As we all returned to the outstanding emails and paperwork on our desks, many of us also returned to discuss the upcoming fiscal year budgets with our departments and agencies.

It’s time to plan out the next fiscal year and hopefully for many, the return of travel budgets.

The CCAC Board of Directors unanimously approved the following changes to membership dues, effective July 1, 2021: • Flat rate of $200 per member • Membership now remains with the member Current memberships expire on June 30, with a new membership cycle beginning July 1. Look out for emails and notifications on how to renew your memberships within the months of May and June.

We appreciate all your patience and understanding during this last fiscal year with the change in process. If you have questions, please contact us at membership@californiacityclerks.org.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

M embership U pdate

“It’s time to plan out the next fiscal year and hopefully for many, the return of travel budgets.”

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A uburn S truck G old . . . in networking

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AUBURN STRUCK GOLD...

IN NETWORKING AMY LIND, CMC – REGION 2 DIRECTOR

You know when you make plans, then the day comes around, and you’re exhausted, and you wonder why you ever put this on your calendar?

What could you have possibly been thinking?

I assume it happens to AMY LIND most of us, but I KNOW it happens to me. Going out of your way to be social, whether you just don’t have the time, or are an introvert, can be an uncomfortable task – many would like to “decline” an outlook invite.

But I’ve got to tell you something…it is what has kept me going for the past 13 years as a City Clerk.

Especially for a clerk of a small town, office of one, who do I have to compare war stories to? Get advice? Vent? CRY to!?!? Other city clerks of course.

Sometimes that time out of the office, when you aren’t watching the unread emails pour onto your screen, when you can just sit face to face with your peers is invaluable. I really like to call happy hours in my immediate area with other city clerks. At first, you don’t know how it’s going to go – Are they like me? Do they like me? Will this be awkward? Let me tell you, with or without wine, it’s going to be valuable! Every single time, I find it was well worth the time. Us clerks have plenty to talk about!



It doesn’t have to be limited to your county, your region, or even your state! The conference we just had was a gold mine of networking. I spent time with clerks I didn’t know well and some classic favorites, and I heard so many stories and nuggets of knowledge that I packed away in my brain for future use. You’ll find someone else with the same problem you are dealing with, but the beauty is, they may have the solution too! That’s a win! You can take that back to your office and be the hero. That’s a win too!

We go home from the conference, back to our cities, a couple points richer and a few hours short on sleep, but those connections you made stay. They don’t fade. Sure, they may need watering every now and then, but I have many relationships I can go back to with people who I did TTC with in 2010. We may not talk regularly, but when you see them, it’s like no time has passed at all. Those are the city clerks you can call when you need them most.

If you don’t know how to take that first step, consider a position on the CCAC Board! The nomination period for the upcoming election was posted just last week along with descriptions of all the positions available – get involved! It’s almost impossible to be on the Board and not feel like part of something bigger and make those CONNECTIONS. So, dig for your gold in networking, whether it’s happy hour, attending in-person trainings, or serving the association – it will pay dividends for years.

CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A uburn S truck G old . . . in networking

"We go home from the conference, back to our cities, a couple points richer and a few hours short on sleep, but those connections you made stay."

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

R egion 9 D inner

REGION 9 DINNER JESSICA BLAIR, MMC

Are you attending the IIMC Conference in Little Rock later this month?

If so, join us at the IIMC Region IX Dinner, hosted this year by CCAC! We were lucky to reserve the ‘42 bar and table’ at the Clinton Presidential Center!

The dinner will be held on Monday, May 23 from 6:30-8:30 pm.

Menu as follows, with a cash bar available:

J E SSICA BL AIR

• New Orleans Soaked Salad w/Tomatoes and Olives, Tossed in Red Wine Vinaigrette • Chicken and Andouille Gumbo • Red Beans and Rice • Crawfish Etouffee with Rice

• • • •

Corn Maque Choux Stewed Okra and Tomatoes Potatoes O’Brien New Orleans Bread Pudding w/Whiskey Sauce

Registration may be made here.

Hope to see you there! *proof of vaccination required to enter facility. **please let me know of any special dietary restrictions – accommodations can be made.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

R egion 9 D inner

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

2 0 2 2 C C A C E lection

N omination P eriod N ow O pen !

2022 CCAC ELECTION NOMINATION PERIOD NOW OPEN! MARC A. DONOHUE – CCAC 1ST VICE PRESIDENT

Want to get involved in CCAC? Now is your chance! The nomination period is now open for the 2022 CCAC election.

This election year is unique as we are transitioning to a board of directors that was approved by the CCAC membership last year via Ballot Measure 21A (By-law Amendment). The following positions will be on the ballot this year: Office to be Nominated Term 1 Year President The President presides over the joint Board of Directors of the CCAC and the City Clerks’ Department of the League of California Cities. The President is responsible for administering, organizing, and directing the goals and objectives of the Board of Directors and Association/Department in accordance with established goals and bylaws approved by the membership.

1 Year First Vice-President The First Vice-President performs the duties of the President in the President’s absence and acts in an advisory capacity at all times. The First Vice-President serves as the organization’s contract manager.

Region Southern Region

Northern Region

1 Year Southern Second Vice-President Region The Second Vice-President performs the duties of the First Vice President in the First Vice President’s absence and acts in an advisory capacity at all times. The Second Vice President sits on the Finance Committee.

2 Years At-Large Board Secretary The Board Secretary is responsible for keeping an accurate record of the proceedings of all meetings of the Association, City Clerks’ Department of the League of California Cities, and of the Board of Directors. The Secretary takes responsibility for generating meeting agendas, agenda packets, meeting set-up, and maintaining and storing all meeting materials. The Board Secretary shall maintain up-to-date copies of all Board Policies.

2 Years At-Large Director of Legislative Affairs The Director of Legislative Affairs serves as the main point of contact with the League of California Cities and has primary responsibility to track, comment on, and propose legislation on behalf of the Association and the clerk profession. The Director of Legislative Affairs convenes and leads a committee to examine legislation. The Director of Legislative Affairs keeps the Board and the Association informed of legislative impacts on a regular basis.

2 Years At-Large Director of Professional Development The Director of Professional Development is the Chair of the Professional Development Committee and is responsible for matters pertaining to continuing education and professional development programs sponsored by CCAC.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

2 0 2 2 C C A C E lection

N omination P eriod N ow O pen !

CCAC Director of Member Services The Director of Member Services leads and coordinates all membership issues including facilitating renewals and leads the Membership and Inclusivity Committee to ensure accessibility and member services are known, promoted, and continue to meet the needs of the Association membership.

Director of Conferences* The Director of Conferences serves as the coordinator of the CCAC Annual Conference including convening the committee, assigning roles, and managing all aspects of the conference, in consultation with the President.

Director of Mentor Development* The Director of Mentor Development oversees the Association’s Mentoring Program including managing mentor/mentee lists, matching mentors to mentees, keeping the policy and program updated and managing the certification recognition lists.

Director of Networking* The Director of Networking oversees and supports the Board in providing engagement activities with members.

Director of Scholarships* The Director of Scholarships coordinates all aspects of the Association scholarship program including fundraising, sponsor coordination, and promoting, analyzing, and awarding scholarships.

2 Years At-Large

1 Year

At-Large

1 Year

At-Large

1 Year

At-Large

1 Year

At-Large

*These positions were adopted pursuant to Ballot Measure 21-A. The initial terms are for one year and are eligible for reelection in 2023.

Any voting CCAC member whose dues are paid in full for the current year may be nominated for and elected to any office. To be eligible to be nominated for President, the voting member shall have served at least one full year as a member of the Board of Directors. Candidates for the offices of President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Recording Secretary, and Legislative Director shall be from member cities from Cal Cities.

Nominations and candidate statements must be filed with Nominating Committee Chair Leilani Brown no later than June 8, 2022. For more information about the election process, please contact Leilani at lbrown@newportbeachca.gov.

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CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

2 0 2 2 P at H ammers S pirit A ward R ecipient – J ackie S hook

2022 PAT HAMMERS SPIRIT AWARD RECIPIENT – JACKIE SHOOK

BY CA N D I C E A LVA R E Z - C I T Y C L E R K CITY OF LAKE ELSINORE

During the CCAC Annual Conference, the 2022 Pat Hammers Spirit Award was awarded to Jackie Shook, Deputy City Clerk for the City of Colton.

Tragically, Jackie had passed away in November 2021, and the award was issued to her posthumously.

On Tuesday, April 19, 2022, Immediate Past President Anthony Mejia presented the award to her family at the Colton City Council meeting, amongst her coworkers, friends, and the community she so inspirationally CANDICE ALVA RE Z represented. Jackie’s Administrative Assistant and friend, Stephanie Vargas, shared a video of City employees who recorded special messages to and about Jackie and her everlasting kindness, and Mayor Navarro noted that he misses the smile she always had when he visited her office and her willingness to assist him. Jackie was truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. I worked with Jackie in the City of San Bernardino.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

2 0 2 2 P at H ammers S pirit A ward R ecipient – J ackie S hook

Although we only worked together for two years, our friendship continued beyond our time in San Bernardino. She would call me just to check in to see how I was doing, ask me for guidance on something she hadn’t yet worked with but was eager to conquer, or encourage me to tread forward and accomplish things even I didn’t think I could.

Jackie’s voice lifted the spirits of everyone around her, and her smile radiated brighter than the sun. I honestly became a better person because I knew her, and I try to emanate the same grace, tenacity, and kindness that she shared with everyone she met. I am so grateful that I was able to attend Colton’s Council meeting, and so comforted hearing the amazing remarks everyone said about her. I want to thank Stephanie for taking the time and writing such a beautiful nomination, and Anthony for issuing the award to Jackie. I can’t think of anyone else more deserving of an award that honors those who demonstrate compassion, resiliency, and commitment. Rest in paradise, sweet Jackie.

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JAC K I E S H O O K

CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A thenian D ialogue U pdate

ATHENIAN DIALOGUE UPDATE ASHTON R. AROCHO, MMC – ATHENIAN DIALOGUE COORDINATOR

A S HTON R ENE A R OCHO

I wanted to take this opportunity and thank everyone who participated in the recent pre-conference Athenian Dialogue in Burlingame, CA led by Ed Tywoniak. This marked our first in-person dialogue since the pandemic shut down. Something that remained the same throughout these past years was the desire for members to continue to grow within their professional careers and gather with others to pursue dialogue.

Your Athenian Dialogue Committee is working hard this year to ensure that dialogues continue to be offered in both a virtual and in-person setting. Upcoming dialogue as follows:

Date Setting Book Facilitator Fee June 17, 2022 Virtual – Zoom Woman of No Importance Peggy Hawker, MMC $30.00 Registration will open immediately following IIMC approval. The dialogue is worth 3 CMC MMC points after completing a written assessment.

If you are interested in hosting an in-person dialogue at your organization or agency, please reach out to me directly at: ald@californiacityclerks.org.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A thenian D ialogue U pdate

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

E ducation W orkshops

EDUCATION WORKSHOPS We have some exciting regional workshops coming up that you may be interested in.

Take a look at these upcoming offerings: MONDAY, MAY 9 – 10 A .M. – 3:30 P.M. (VIRTUAL) MASTERING THE ART: A STEP -BYSTEP GUIDE TO WRITING A QUALITY STAFF REPORT AND 9 PATHWAYS OF LEAD E R S H I P : W O R K I N G M O R E E F F I C I E N T LY A S A T E A M ( A N E N N E A G R A M W O R K S H O P )

10:00 a.m. – 12 noon – Mastering the Art of the Staff Report In every local government organization, staff members write staff reports to present important information and inform decisions of the legislative body. These reports can cover any number of topics, from purchasing playground equipment to development of projects. This course will discuss lessons and strategies of effective communication in the workplace and the art of writing a quality staff report.

Facilitated by Tamara Letourneau, City Manager, City of Laguna Nigel and author of Mastering the Art: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Quality Staff Report 12-1 p.m. – Lunch Break 1-3:30 p.m. - The Enneagram is a centuries old leadership tool that has many facets. While a brief overview of the enneagram will be explained, participants will be asked to complete some brief pre-work to discover their enneagram type in order to better understand the leadership lessons presented in the course.

After the brief overview, Ms. Sousa will provide information on the best way to develop teams using the enneagram, working together, elevating the clerk department within an agency, and bringing about understanding and change through 9 pathways of leadership.

Facilitated by April Sousa, MMC, Professional Development Director CCAC To register, click here.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

E ducation W orkshops

FRIDAY, JUNE 3 – 9 A .M. – 2:30 P.M. (DUBLIN, CA) CAMPAIGNS AND CANDIDATE NOMINATIONS

9:00 a.m. Registration Opens / Introductions 9:30 a.m. -11:30 a.m. Campaign Filing Officer Training Receive training from Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) staff on the role and responsibilities of a Campaign Filing Officer 11:30 -12:30 p.m. Networking Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. Candidates & Nomination Process Explore different approaches to educating candidates interested in running for elective office, learn about requirements and process for issuing nomination documents, and creative ways to streamline the process.

Trainers: Dawn Abrahamson, Vallejo City Clerk, Joelle Fockler, Concord City Clerk, Holly Charléty, El Cerrito City Clerk To register, click here.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

CCAC 2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

CCAC 2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM RANDI JOHL, JD, MMC, CDE, LEGISLATIVE DIRECTOR / CITY CLERK CITY OF TEMECULA

I am pleased to share the first ever CCAC Legislative Platform with you all.

As you are aware, this was a follow-up item connected to the organization hiring our first ever lobbying firm. This document was a true labor of love by your 2022 Legislative Committee consisting of the following individuals:

RANDI J O HL

Angelica Avila – Indian Wells Kerry Bigelow – Chula Vista Dane Hutchings – RPLG (Lobbyist) Randi Johl – Temecula

Mark Jomsky – Pasadena Zizette Mullins – Burbank Mark Numainville – Berkeley

The content came from CCAC’s historical and founding documents and is based on the positions we’ve taken in the past as a department of the League of California Cities.

Please take a look here and feel free to reach out to me with any questions.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

CCAC 2022 STATE LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A P P LY F O R A

CCAC SCHOLARSHIP

APPLY FOR A CCAC SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE: 6 ⁄ 1 ⁄ 22 H O L LY M . C H A R L É T Y , M M C

CCAC is now accepting scholarship applications for institute and educational offerings held between July through December 2022! Institute and Education courses offered virtually or in-person are eligible.

CCAC understands the importance of the scholarship program for California Municipal Clerks. The sole purpose of our scholarship programs are to further your professional development including achievement of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) and Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) accreditation.

Visit the CCAC Scholarship page for information on eligible institute and educational opportunities and to download the application.

Applications are due by June 1, 2022. For more information, please contact your Professional Development Director, April Sousa at asousa@mckinleyvillecsd.com or Holly M. Charléty at hcharlety@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us.

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

A P P LY F O R A

CCAC SCHOLARSHIP

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

TTC IS BACK IN PERSON AND IN DEMAND

TTC IS BACK IN PERSON AND IN DEMAND H O L LY M . C H A R L É T Y , M M C

In March, Technical Training for Clerks (TTC) welcomed back a record high 120 clerk professionals to in-person training at the University of Riverside Extension Center. TTC is CCAC’s core education program for those working on their Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation. Series 200, held on March 15-18, offered many courses including the Clerk as a Professional, Election Law, Technology, Social and Political Systems, Communications, Organizational Values and Ethics, Decision Making, and Local Government Finance.

One of the most invaluable elements of the TTC program is that attendees build bonds that go far beyond the classroom. Our professional network is a close second to the necessary education and experience needed to be a successful municipal clerk.

At the conclusion of each series, we celebrate those who have completed all four week-long series and graduated from the program. In March, we celebrated the following TTC Graduates: (Pictured Left to Right: Allison Lambertson (Stockton), Kathryn Vigil (Moreno Valley), Jennifer Lee (Laguna Hills), Melissa Boyer (Paso Robles), Persephonie Riley (Rancho Cordova), Amber Alexander (Fairfield), Christina Cook (Belvedere), Reanna Guzman (Hawaiian Gardens), Christine Lopez (Eureka), Norma Orozco (Santa Ana)) In addition, the graduates continued the tradition of collecting donations to contribute a dedicated scholarship for a municipal clerk to attend a future TTC session. Thank you, graduates, for your generous $250 donation!

Please join CCAC in congratulating these individuals on their commitment and achievement in completing this milestone education program!

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

TTC IS BACK IN PERSON AND IN DEMAND

"One of the most invaluable elements of the TTC program is that attendees build bonds that go far beyond the classroom"

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

H ow ’ s R etired L ife ?

A n I nterview with R etired C ity C lerk G ayle P etersen

HOW’S RETIRED LIFE? AN INTERVIEW WITH RETIRED CITY CLERK GAYLE PETERSEN

BY JOELLE FOCKLER, MMC, 2ND VICE PRESIDENT

I had the privilege of meeting and chatting with Gayle Petersen after the Retiree Luncheon at the recent City Clerks Association of California Annual Conference held in Burlingame. Not only is Gayle a retired City Clerk, she was President of CCAC in 2002-03.

What’s retired life like?

Retired life is very “freeing”……I loved my job as City Clerk, but I love having a choice on how I might spend my days. Just after I retired we moved from Rohnert Park to Lincoln, CA to a retirement community. I then proceeded to join about every group I could to stay active…..Bosom Buddies (Breast Cancer Survivor Group), Red Hats, Bunco Group, and a Bridge Group. And, in addition, decided to work part time transcribing minutes for the City of Pleasanton, which then led to doing an interim stint as City Clerk for the City of Lathrop and the City of Santa Rosa. It was after that that I decided I should try “real retirement” and step back to enjoy not being so busy! Now I enjoy going on girlfriend short trips to wherever makes us happy and have taken up golf and am currently the Captain of the Ladies Golf Club at Turkey Creek, Lincoln, CA. I also have eight grandchildren. Although none of them are nearby, I enjoy going to visit and staying a couple days to get my Grandma fix.

What did you enjoy most about being a Municipal Clerk?

I really enjoyed being able to help citizens and/or fellow employees research actions taken by the City Council and facilitating resolutions to issues that might arise.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in a municipal clerk career?

I would encourage new clerks to listen fully to people who ask you for assistance - to not assume you know the answer, but to make sure to research information. I strongly encourage honesty, in that if you have not done something correctly, don’t try to cover it up, own your mistakes, fix them and be wiser for having done so.

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What was your involvement with CCAC and how did you get involved in the organization?

I became a City Clerk by accident, so to speak. I was hired as a Clerk Typist for the City of Chino and to assist the then City Clerk and Secretary to the City Manager. Having been on the job only two weeks, the City Clerk went on a cruise and asked me to cover a Council Meeting in her absence and to cover the office. During that two weeks, the City Clerk was diagnosed with a brain tumor and never returned to work. Because I successfully help up the office during the month or so during her illness, the City Manager had faith in my abilities and appointed me the new City Clerk/Secretary to the City Manager. In an effort to educate myself to the fullest, I joined CCAC and started attending conferences and the Northern Division Election Law Seminars.

CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

H ow ’ s R etired L ife ?

A n I nterview with R etired C ity C lerk G ayle P etersen

I was encouraged to get involved in CCAC by Colleen Nicol, City Clerk of Riverside at the time. She and I met at a CCAC Conference in the early 80s and became lifelong friends. I got my CMC, went through the steps and eventually became a CCAC President. During that time I attended and eventually taught classes at CEPO and taught a class with Helen Kanowsky at the New Law and Election Conferences in Northern California.

What was your fondest CCAC Memory?

My fondest CCAC Memory is when I was CCAC President and had my conference in San Francisco. Three of my high school besties were professional singers and they put on a show at my conference, which was a real hit! I was so proud……I had my best friends and family there who shared the experience with me.

Who in CCAC had the greatest impact on you and your career?

I would say Colleen Nicol and Helen Kanowsky (former City Clerk of West Sacramento) were most influential during my tenure as City Clerk. I could call either one of those Clerks and ask them anything and they would give me honest and informative feedback. They were both very encouraging, great role models and hard workers……they are still role models for me today as I watch them live their retired lives.

What’s your advice to someone on getting involved with CCAC? My advice would be to attend as many CCAC sponsored conferences and educational opportunities that you can. You will learn so much and will most likely make connections that you will value for a lifetime. The networks created by and through Clerks are invaluable.

Looking back to your career, is there anything you would have done differently? And what did you get just right?

During my career I worked for five different cities - City of Chino, City of La Habra, City of Santa Rosa, City of San Leandro, and City of Petaluma. Although that seems like it might be too many moves, I was able to move up in stature and make a difference in every city that I worked. I made many friendships along the way, with elected individuals, City Managers, Finance Directors, Planning Directors, etc. - some of which I encountered again will serving in interim positions after retirement. It was good to see that those relationships were positive ones and they were delighted to work with me again. That made me very proud. So, no, nothing I would change about my career.

What I got right, was “Paying it Forward.”. That was my theme when I was President and it payed off for me during my career. It matters how you treat the people you work with and who work for you. It is true that people may never remember what you said, but they WILL remember how you made them feel. I like to think I live by that rule still.

The interview with Gayle motivated me to not only keep working on being a better Clerk and person, but to also appreciate the contagious optimism that comes with “paying it forward.”

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CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

C C A C 2 0 2 2 conference

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CCAC 2022 CONFERENCE



CCAC

CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

C C A C 2 0 2 2 conference

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Get In Touch: escribemeetings.com jcoulen@escribemeetings.com

CCAC

Supporting City Clerks since 2004

2020 – cancelled due to Covid

2021 – online due to Covid

2022 Burlingame Diamond Sponsor

Oh, by the way, 160 Cities use our hosted Form 700 and Campaign e-filing systems. Stop by our booth for the laptop raffle.

Tom Diebert – NetFile, Inc. diebert@netfile.com www.netfile.com (209) 742-4100 30



CCAC

CCAC MAY 2022 | VOLUME 23 ISSUE 3 CITY CLERKS ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA

Official Word

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